Timing and structural controls on skarn-type and vein-type mineralization at the Xitian tin-polymetallic deposit, Hunan Province, SE China

Abstract

Xitian tin-polymetallic deposit, located in the eastern Hunan Province, SE China, hosts quartz vein and skarn in the contact zone between carbonate and two stages granites. Critical geodynamic questions for South China are whether different types of mineralization form in the same time and how the magmatism–tectonic system controls the ore-forming process. Based on the distribution of the orebodies, six cassiterite samples from different types of mineralization are collected for dating. In-situ LA-MC-ICP-MS U–Pb isotopic data yielded concordia low intercept ages between 154 and 157 Ma, indicating that different types of mineralization belong to the same magmatism–mineralization system. Coupled with the study of the kinematic indicators, it suggests that the structural control of the wall rocks constrain the types of mineralization. These results provide further evidence of a close temporal link between the structure and the tin-polymetallic mineralization in Xitian deposit. Considering the structure in the district, granite dome plays an important role in the ore-forming process. The age and structural signatures in Xitian deposit are the response to the subduction of Pacific Plate.